England vs South Africa Live Cricket Score: 3rd Test, Day 4 at the Oval

3rd Test, The Oval, London27 - 31 July, 2019

Toss won by England (decided to bat)

England beat South Africa by 239 runs

Man of the Match: Ben Stokes

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Catch all the live action of the fourth day of the third Test between England and South Africa at the Oval through our live commentary.

Day 3 Round Up:

Toby Roland-Jones saw his dream debut continue as he completed a five-wicket haul to end South Africa's belated resistance and ensure England maintained their domination of the third test at The Oval on Saturday.

Yet the home side's push for victory to move 2-1 ahead in the four-test series was threatened by the south London weather as afternoon rain ended up wiping out half the day's play with England on 74-1 in their second innings, 252 runs ahead.

Roland-Jones had spearheaded the dismissal of South Africa for 175 on the third morning of the 100th Oval test to give England a 178-run first innings lead before another newcomer Tom Westley then helped hammer home the advantage.

Commentary (South Africa innings)

South Africa, on the other hand, have loads of questions to solve Should they have risked playing a half-fit Philander? Should they change something in their batting? What could they have done differently? Knowing the fighting spirit of the rainbow nation, expect them to come all out in the last match between these sides that commences on the 4th of August, 2017 at 1100 local time (1000 GMT). Join us as we bring to you all the action from the Old Trafford. Till then, adios! Take care! Ciao!

That brings us to the end of a game that had centuries, runs, wickets, hat-trick and rains! In life, you bring nothing with you and take nothing away, but England came into this game with pressure and walked away with a thumping win. They have managed to tick most of their boxes.

Man of the Match, Ben Stokes says that he had to work very hard with the bat. Adds that early on it was a difficult track and Philander bowled well. Mentions that it is pleasing to go through that difficult phase and cash in later on. States that he always looks to play positive cricket. Adds that he looks to attack no matter what the situation of the game is. Opines that he was doubtful about the last wicket (hat-trick ball) that Ali took. He asked Root whether it was sliding down leg and there were two noises as well. Adds that it was a dramatic end to the Test. Congratulates Moeen for his hat-trick. Announces that he is bowling really hard with the bowling coach and it is paying off. Stresses that the spell he bowled in Trent Bridge was a confidence booster. Ends by saying that they need to keep playing this way when they will take on the Proteas in the final Test at Old Trafford.

Joe Root the English skipper, says that the hat-trick was some (great) way to celebrate hundred Tests at The Oval. Feels they played a wonderful and a complete Test. Says it was important the way they batted in the first innings as the conditions became tougher as the game progressed. He credits Cook's innings by saying that it was crucial as they could have easily lost more wickets after losing four early on the first day. He also credits his bowlers for bowling well in the conditions. On the criticism that they got after the defeat in the second game, he mentions that they, as a side, never give excuses and always look to improve. The guys responded with good performances he adds. About the debutants, he states that Malan would have loved to get more runs, but is happy overall with them. He credits Westley for his knock. He adds that it is important for Roland-Jones to stay level headed and this start is important for him. On the composition of the side, he concludes by saying that it is important to look at the wicket and take a decision.

Faf du Plessis the Protea skipper, says that Philander missing out in the first innings was a huge blow. Feels that 350 was a hundred too many. Mentions that Vernon is that good that they are pleased to have him even if he is 50 percent fit. Adds that the plan was to bat first and give him time to recover. Feels that they really missed Philander in the first innings and that disturbed their consistency. Reckons that if they had an option, they would have liked to play right after winning the second Test instead of taking the break. Opines that they made obvious mistakes in the first and third Test. Credits England for their all-round performance. Adds that it is about doing the basics right. He appreciates Dean Elgar's innings. Credits his men for their fighting performance. Feels that as Test batsmen they need to score hundreds. Again appreciates Elgar for his courageous knock and says that they can learn a lot from him.

Buffaloes do not take to water as graciously as fishes do, similarly, the visiting batsmen did not adjust to the conditions as well as the home side did. England scored over 300 in both their innings, and the defeat margin of 239 runs shows how much the African side lagged with the bat. That nine of their batters ended up getting single digit figures in the match drives home the point. The African side is now left facing with more questions after they seemed to have covered their game well after the second Test.

What an end to the match! A hat-trick. Finally. A cat has seven lives they say, England got third time lucky! Stokes was on a hat-trick and missed, Roland-Jones missed his narrowly, Moeen Ali didn't miss his treble of three consecutive balls, hastening England's victory in the process. Elgar kept the Englishmen at bay, but after his fall, the shutters fell quickly. Stokes and Roland-Jones chipped in with important strikes throughout the match. The latter had a terrific debut, both with bat and ball.

77.1 M Ali to Morkel, OUT! Successful review and that's the final nail in the coffin! Moeen Ali bags a hat-trick to his name! A brilliant display of spin bowling and he gets the reward. This is the first time after 1938 that an English spinner has taken a hat-trick. He pushes it a bit quicker through the air and gets it to come in with the arm. Morkel prods forward to defend but misses it completely to get rapped on the front pad. Up go the Englishmen in unison but the umpire Wilson after a long thought stays unmoved. Root decides to take the review. The replays roll it. It shows three reds and Morne is a dead duck. The joy on Moeen Ali's face is prominent. ENGLAND WIN BY 239 RUNS TO GO 2-1 UP IN THE SERIES! 252/10

England decide to take a review against Morkel. Seems really close to the naked eye.

Broad is having a discussion with Ali.

76.6 Ben Stokes to Maharaj, Back of a length ball on middle and leg, strikes him high on the thigh pad. 252/9

76.5 Ben Stokes to Maharaj, Bouncer on middle, Keshav ducks under that and lets it go. 252/9

76.3 Ben Stokes to Maharaj, Length ball around off, played off the back foot. 252/9

76.2 Ben Stokes to Maharaj, Length ball angling down the leg side, Maharaj goes for the flick and misses. 252/9

76.1 Ben Stokes to Maharaj, Length ball around off, defended from within the crease. 252/9

Morne Morkel is the last man in.

75.6 M Ali to Rabada, OUT! The bearded man gets two in two! Again floats it around off and entices the drive. Rabada facing his first ball, goes for the drive with hard hands, and edges it to the left of Stokes at first slip who takes a fine catch. England inch closer to victory as Rabada departs for a golden duck. The end is nigh for the Proteas. Ali will be on a hat-trick if and when he bowls the next over. 252/9

Kagiso Rabada walks in next.

75.5 M Ali to D Elgar, OUT! ELGAR'S RESISTANCE ENDS! Tossed up just outside off, inviting the drive. Elgar this time falls for the bait. He goes for the drive through covers, ends up edging it to the right of Stokes at first slip who makes no mistake. A tame end to a top innings. Elgar departs for 136. England closer to performing the last rites! 252/8

74.2 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Back of a length around off, defended from within the crease. 251/7

74.1 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Length ball outside off, left alone. 251/7

Ben Stokes is back on. 6 overs are left after which the second new ball will be due. Stokesy is a competitor and is a good man to go to at this moment. He will look to get under the skin of Elgar and Maharaj.

73.1 M Ali to Maharaj, FOUR! Maharaj cuts and cuts hard and collects a MAJESTIC BOUNDARY! It was flat and wide, the batsman obliged with the shot and played it behind point on the off side, the ball raced away to the fence. 249/7

72.6 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, HOW CLOSE! Back of a length ball just outside off, Elgar hangs his bat at that and the ball just whizzes past the outside edge. 245/7

72.5 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, A good looking shot driven down the ground, the fielder at mid on keeps it to two. 245/7

72.2 T Roland-Jones to K Maharaj, FOUR! EDGED AND SAFE! Back of a length just outside off, Maharaj pokes at that. The ball goes off the edge between third and fourth slip and rolls away to the third man fence for a boundary. 240/7

72.1 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Full ball on middle and leg, Elgar flicks it gloriously through mid-wicket for three runs. 236/7

71.6 M Ali to Maharaj, Loopy ball on off and middle, defended on to the ground. 233/7

71.5 M Ali to Maharaj, Ahh! EXTRA BOUNCE! That was floated outside off on a good length, inviting a push from Maharaj. It bounces from the rough, hits Bairstow's shoulders and lobs up to Stokes at first slip. 233/7

71.4 M Ali to Maharaj, Looped up on middle, defended off the front foot. 233/7

71.2 M Ali to Maharaj, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 233/7

71.1 M Ali to Elgar, Looped it on off and middle, flicked away for a single. 233/7

70.6 T Roland-Jones to K Maharaj, FOUR! Maharaj slams it royally! It was short, it was wide and it was punished! KM just plays it through backward point for another boundary to make it three in the over. He isn't a tailender anymore it seems! 232/7

The pigeons flew over the pitch and distracted Maharaj. Roland-Jones has to stop in his delivery stride.

70.4 T Roland-Jones to Maharaj, Back of a length ball around off, blocked off the back foot. 228/7

70.3 T Roland-Jones to Maharaj, Length ball in line of the stumps, it strikes him high on the thigh pad. 228/7

70.2 T Roland-Jones to Maharaj, FOUR! And another! This time the back foot punch it is! Length ball just outside off, he plays it off the back foot through covers for another boundary of the over! Too good this tailender is! 228/7

70.1 T Roland-Jones to Maharaj, FOUR! Ahhh! That's certainly some shot by a tailender! That's a full length delivery outside off, Maharaj gets out the cover drive from his repertoire and caresses it through covers. Nobody moved, and neither could they! 224/7

68.6 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Fuller ball off, played towards covers showing the full face of the bat. They take a quick single. The fielder there has a shy at the striker's end, which misses the stumps and goes towards fine leg. 218/7

68.4 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, FOUR! Punched, timed and reaped! That was a full ball on middle and leg, Elgar pushes it through mid on. The ball races away to the fence for another deserving boundary, the second in the over. 217/7

68.3 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Length ball defended off the back foot. 213/7

68.2 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, FOUR! Length ball on his pads, Elgar tucks that away towards fine leg. Westley gets there in a hope to cut that off and gets in the slide, but the ball beats him to the fence. 213/7

68.1 T Roland-Jones to Maharaj, Length ball outside off, played off the back foot for a run. 209/7

67.6 M Ali to Elgar, Flighted ball on middle, played towards mid on. He thinks about a run and aborts. 208/7

66.4 T Roland-Jones to Maharaj, Length ball around off, punched off the back foot towards covers to get off the mark. 207/7

66.3 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Back of a length ball on off and middle, pushed defensively in front of square on the leg side for a run. 206/7

66.2 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Length ball in line of the stumps, played on the leg side. 205/7

66.1 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Starts off with a back of a length ball on off, played defensively towards point. 205/7

We are back for the afternoon session. Keshav Maharaj to join Dean Elgar at the crease. Toby Roland-Jones to bowl first up after lunch.

... Day 5, Session 2...

England did things that were expected from them coming in to this last day of play. They bowled tight lines and seldom gave anything for the batsmen to latch on to. Toby Roland-Jones is a name that the Proteas won't forget easily. 8 wickets in the match so far apart from the runs with the bat and not to forget that he didn't miss his hat-trick by much, he's had a debut to cherish. Join us post lunch, for what could be the last session in this match.

Well! That Chris Morris wicket stamped the authority that England have on the game, and they will enjoy a sumptuous meal for sure! It's a matter of not if, but when, will the South Africans be bowled out. Elgar stands between the home side and their victory. He has played a standout innings, standing tall with an unbeaten century among the ruins. Bavuma started off the day giving him decent support, but Roland-Jones ended his resistance.

65.6 M Ali to C Morris, OUT! The ploy to give Moeen Ali the last over before lunch has paid rich dividends! Morris will be really disappointed as he was looking resolute in approach but falters. Floated around off and holding its line. Morris prods forward to defend, expects it to turn back and that is what catches him off guard. Ends up getting a healthy outside edge towards first slip. Ben Stokes stationed there is sharp as a hawk and dives to his left to take a really good reflex catch. The stubborn 45-run stand comes to an end and South Africa's hopes also fade further. England are three wickets away from a victory and taking a lead in the series. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 5! 205/7

65.5 M Ali to Morris, Slower through the air, kept out watchfully. 205/6

65.2 M Ali to Morris, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 205/6

65.1 M Ali to C Morris, Tossed up outside off, Morris goes for a drive but gets an outside edge that goes on to hit Bairstow's pads. He didn't have enough time to react there. 205/6

Moeen Ali will bowl the last over before lunch.

64.6 J Anderson to Elgar, Fuller in length on off, bounces a touch extra. Elgar defends it and immediately takes his bottom hand off while playing it. He has a sore finger and rings his hand in pain. 205/6

64.5 J Anderson to Elgar, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. 205/6

64.4 J Anderson to Elgar, Fullish and angling into Elgar. He looks to defend it but gets it off the inner half to front of square on the leg side. Two runs taken. 205/6

64.3 J Anderson to Elgar, In the channel outside off, left alone. 203/6

64.2 J Anderson to Elgar, Bonus runs! Fullish in length well outside off again. Elgar points his bat skywards to allow it through. Bairstow gets an awkward bounce in front of him and fumbles. The ball goes past him and rolls down towards the third man fence. Cook sprints after it, puts in a slide near the fence but fails to prevent the boundary. Four byes signaled by the umpire. 203/6

63.2 S Broad to Morris, FOUR! Beautiful stroke! That would have made any top order batsman proud. Fuller in length around off, Morris leans ahead and drives it crisply past Elgar. The timing is spot on and the ball whistles away to the fence. 197/6

63.1 S Broad to Morris, Wide outside off, left alone. 193/6

62.6 J Anderson to Elgar, Fuller length delivery, a bit of extra bounce on that. Dean does well to block it. 193/6

62.3 J Anderson to Elgar, FOUR! Easy pickings! Anderson goes round the wicket and strays it on the pads. Elgar flicks it nicely through mid-wicket to find the fence. 193/6

62.2 J Anderson to D Elgar, Fullish delivery, driven towards covers where the fielder puts in a dive to his left to make a good stop. 189/6

62.1 J Anderson to D Elgar, Fuller length ball leaving the southpaw. He prods forward to counter it but gets squared up. Gets it off the outer half of the bat to point. 189/6

61.6 S Broad to Morris, Fuller length delivery on off, Morris opts to stay back and pushes it to mid on. He needed to be on the front foot there. 189/6

61.5 S Broad to Morris, Fuller in length in line of the stumps, Morris presents the full face of the bat and drives it towards Broad. He stretches his right hand out but the ball goes past him. Jennings hares after it from mid on, slides near the fence and cuts it off. Keeps it down to a couple. 189/6

61.4 S Broad to Morris, Back of a length delivery on off, defended solidly off the back foot. 187/6

60.2 J Anderson to Elgar, Hesitancy but no harm done! Fuller in length outside off, Elgar dabs it towards cover-point and takes off for a run. Moeen Ali attacks the ball from point and Morris shouts no to his partner. Dean gets back in time. 187/6

60.1 J Anderson to Elgar, On a length and slanting across the southpaw. He plants his front foot across to allow it through. 187/6

59.6 T Roland-Jones to Morris, Length delivery outside off, Chris hangs back and plays it with an open face to point. 187/6

59.5 T Roland-Jones to C Morris, Length delivery around off, shaping in. Morris shuffles a touch and drives it to mid on. He needs to be careful with the shuffle around that off stump channel. If he misses, he is in trouble. 187/6

59.4 T Roland-Jones to Morris, Back of a length delivery in line of the stumps, Morris hangs back and defends it. 187/6

59.3 T Roland-Jones to Morris, Stays back to the length delivery and defends it. 187/6

59.2 T Roland-Jones to Morris, FOUR! If he missed that, he was a candidate for LBW! Fullish and angling in sharply. Morris shuffles a touch and looks to clip it away. Ends up getting a thick inside edge that runs down to fine leg. The fielder runs to his right to save it but he has no chance to do so. 187/6

59.1 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Swinging into the pads, worked to deep mid-wicket for a run. 183/6

58.6 J Anderson to Morris, Jaffa! Length delivery outside off, angling in initially. Morris feels for it but it seams away after hitting the deck to beat him comprehensively. Bairstow makes a muted appeal but Anderson is not interested. There was no bat involved. 182/6

58.5 J Anderson to Morris, Similar delivery, once again Morris remains composed in his back foot defense. 182/6

58.4 J Anderson to Morris, Similar length delivery, angling into Chris. He makes good use of the crease to block it. 182/6

58.3 J Anderson to Morris, Length delivery around off, seaming away after hitting the deck. Chris hangs back and defends it tentatively. 182/6

58.2 J Anderson to Morris, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 182/6

58.1 J Anderson to Morris, Good length delivery, Morris plays it off the outer half of the bat to point. 182/6

57.6 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Angling away from the southpaw. He is opened up a touch in his stance as he pokes it to point. 182/6

Nasser Hussain observes that Roland-Jones has a Flintoff-Stokes lean off in his bowling action just before his jump!

57.4 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Elgar almost throws his wicket away! He has played very few such strokes in this innings and is lucky, that he survived there. Full length delivery well outside off, swinging further away. Elgar is drawn into a booming drive but gets beaten all ends up. He was very close of getting a nick there. 182/6

57.3 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Back of a length delivery angling away from Dean. He goes for the cut but gets it off the bottom half of the bat down on the track. 182/6

57.2 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Fuller in length on off, swinging in. Elgar keeps his bat and pad close together to block it. 182/6

57.1 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, On a length outside off, coming in late. Elgar points his bat skywards and makes a good leave. 182/6

56.6 J Anderson to Morris, That's a beauty! Good length delivery on off, seaming away after pitching. Morris is squared up as the ball goes past the outside edge of his hanging bat. 182/6

56.5 J Anderson to Morris, Going down the leg side, Chris looks to clip it but misses. 182/6

56.4 J Anderson to Morris, Angling appreciably into Morris. He goes deep in the crease and keeps it out to mid-wicket. 182/6

56.1 J Anderson to Elgar, Leg bye! Length delivery around leg stump, Elgar moves inside the line and looks to tuck it away. He is hit on the thigh pad and the ball rolls towards short fine leg. A leg bye taken. 182/6

James Anderson will bowl for the first time today.

55.6 M Ali to Morris, Fired on a length down the leg side, Morris lets it go. 181/6

55.5 M Ali to Morris, FOUR! SMASHED, literally! Coming from around the wicket, Ali tosses it just outside off. Morris charges down the track and just clobbers it over mid off, the ball goes one bounce into the ropes. That's the second boundary of the over. 181/6

Leg slip in place now.

55.4 M Ali to Morris, EDGED BUT SAFE! Floated ball outside off, Morris plays for the turn, but it seems to be an arm ball. The ball takes the outside edge and rolls away from the slip towards third man for a brace. 177/6

52.2 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Length ball on off and middle, played of the back foot and into the ground. 169/6

52.1 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, FOUR! Full ball just down the leg side, this time Elgar doesn't miss out on the flick. He hits it a tad aerially through backward square leg for a boundary. He's too well set to miss out on opportunities like that. 169/6

51.2 M Ali to Elgar, FOUR! What a brilliant century under pressure! Take a bow, Dean Elgar! He has been the lone warrior for his side. Tossed up delivery around off, Elgar is nimble on his feet and lifts it over mid off for a boundary. That shot shows his character. The entire South African room applauds. The Oval crowd is up on its feet. He needs to battle on for his side but he needs a lot of support from the lower order. 164/6

51.1 M Ali to Elgar, Full delivery, pushed back to the bowler. 160/6

50.6 T Roland-Jones to Morris, Back of a length ball around off, played off the back foot. 160/6

50.5 T Roland-Jones to Morris, A tad fuller on off, played off the front foot on to the ground. 160/6

50.4 T Roland-Jones to Morris, Length ball on off, played off the back foot. 160/6

50.3 T Roland-Jones to Morris, That's as close to a hat-trick as you can get on a debut! Length ball just outside off, Morris pokes his bat and gets a thick edge. The ball lands a foot short of the diving Stokes at gully. 160/6

Chris Morris comes out to bat. Five slips, a gully and a leg gully in place. Can he survive the hat-trick ball? This is the second time that an English bowler is on a hat-trick in this game.

50.2 Roland-Jones to Philander, OUT! Roland-Jones on a roll on his Test debut! That's poor judgement by Philander. It is a tad fuller outside off and coming in to him. The big Vern decides to shoulder arms to that, gets struck low on his back pad and it proves fatal. He is not sure about the review and rightfully decides against it. The Hawk Eye shows that it is crashing into the off stump. Toby picks up his 3rd wicket in this innings, 8th in the match. South Africa 6 down now. 160/6

Vernon Philander is the new man in. South Africa only have five more wickets in hand with more than two sessions to go in the game. They are in dire straits.

50.1 T Roland-Jones to Bavuma, OUT! Bavuma has to depart, nothing saves him! Excellent review by England! Roland-Jones bowls it on a length around off, angling into the batsman. Bavuma strides forward in defense and the ball strikes his pads as the bat was just behind the pad. The umpire gives it not out. After a short discussion, Root decides to review the decision. The replays roll in. The front foot is fine and the Ultra Edge confirms that it is pad first. After that, the Ball Tracker returns three reds, which seals Bavuma's fate. The debutant strikes yet again, breaks the 108-run stand between Bavuma and Elgar. Half the Protean side is in the hut. 160/5

LBW APPEAL against Bavuma! Toby Roland-Jones convinces Root to review that as he is confident it is pad first and then the bat. Seems very close to the naked eye. The impact might be umpire's call that might save him.

49.2 M Ali to Elgar, Full toss around off, drives to the right off Root at mid off for a single. 159/4

49.1 M Ali to Elgar, Looped up around off, Elgar steps down and drives it to mid off. 158/4

48.6 T Roland-Jones to Bavuma, Length ball around off, played off the front foot. 158/4

48.5 T Roland-Jones to D Elgar, Length ball around middle and off, pushed back down the ground. They decide late and take a single as they saw the ball was far from the fielder. Broad from mid off chases it. 158/4

48.3 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, FOUR! If Toby bowled it quick, the ball raced away to the boundary off Elgar's bat quicker. A full ball on middle and off, is pushed back down the ground and the ball travels through mid off. The opener moves to 95! 157/4

48.2 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Back of a length ball on leg, Dean plays it off the back foot on the leg side. 153/4

46.5 T Roland-Jones to Bavuma, Length ball bowled a tad wider from the crease and angling in to the batsman, Bavuma gets it off the inside half of the bat and collects the single as the ball rolls towards square leg. 151/4

46.4 T Roland-Jones to Bavuma, Bowled on off, played from within the crease. 150/4

46.3 T Roland-Jones to Bavuma, Length ball outside off, Bavuma initially thought of playing and then decides against it. No harm done. 150/4

46.2 T Roland-Jones to Bavuma, Back of a length ball outside off, left alone by the batsman. 150/4

46.1 T Roland-Jones to Bavuma, Starts off with a fuller ball outside off, Temba shoulders arms to let it go to the keeper. 150/4

Nasser Hussain on air analyzes the surface. He says at one end there are not much roughs on either side of the wicket. A few roughs which are there are wide on the pitch for the left-hander. On the other hand, at the pavilion end there are a lot of roughs on either side of the wicket. He reckons that Moeen Ali can exploit those to great effect.

44.6 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Length on off, played showing full face of the bat. 145/4

44.5 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Bouncer on off, left alone. 145/4

44.4 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Short ball just outside off, Elgar drops his hands and lets it through to the keeper. 145/4

44.4 Ben Stokes to Elgar, FOUR! ELGAR SHOWS ELEGANCE! Shortish ball outside off, he plays it to the right of point, who stood no chance of stopping that. The ball rushed to the fence like people in the morning rush to their offices! What's more, Stokes has overstepped. 145/4

44.3 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Back of a length ball angling into him, Elgar hops and keeps it down. 140/4

42.6 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Length around off, Elgar gets a bottom edge to that as the ball rolls down the track. Stokes gives him a stare as Elgar returns the favour with a shrug! 140/4

42.5 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Fuller ball on off and middle, played towards short leg. 140/4

42.4 Ben Stokes to D Elgar, FOUR! If the previous shot was good, this one's wonderful! Similar back of a length ball outside off, Deano pulls and pulls it with disdain. The ball races away through square leg for another boundary. 140/4

42.3 Ben Stokes to D Elgar, FOUR! If any shot displays Elgar's authority over the bowler, this is is it! Short ball outside off, he fetches the pull from outside off, through mid-wicket and into the fence for a boundary. Good to watch. 136/4

42.2 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Fuller ball on off, played from within the crease. 132/4

42.1 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Short ball just outside off, defended off the back foot by getting on top of the bounce. 132/4

41.6 S Broad to Bavuma, FOUR! This time Bavuma times his glance to perfection. Length ball on middle and angling in to him, he plays it in front of square on the leg side. The ball rolls over slowly into the fence. 132/4

39.2 S Broad to Elgar, CLOSE! Length ball again down the leg side, Dean plays a flick again and misses. The bowler and the keeper put up a stifled appeal. Umpire stays unmoved. Snicko shows a bit of spike as the ball passes the bat, but to the naked eye a daylight between bat and ball is visible. 121/4

39.1 S Broad to Elgar, Starts off over the wicket and spears it on a length down the leg side. The balls swings away a bit as Elgar tries to flick and misses. 121/4

Stuart Broad into the attack.

38.6 Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Fuller ball on off, played off the front foot. 121/4

38.2 Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Length ball on off, played it off the back foot. 117/4

38.1 B Stokes to T Bavuma, Starts off with a back of a length ball on off, Bavuma gets an inside edge as he tries defending that. 117/4

We are set to get underway. Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma to continue their innings. Can they survive the first session and give some hope to their side to save this Test? However, England who have been dominating the proceedings will fancy themselves to come out on top. Ben Stokes to bowl first up this morning. Three slips and a gully in place. Here we go...

Hello! Welcome to the last day of what has been more of a lopsided Test between England and South Africa. 98 overs of play possible, but it remains to be seen whether most of those would be needed. Knowing South Africa, they won't go down easily without a fight. Elgar and Bavuma have been able to arrest their batting slide in this innings so far. Anderson and Co. would give their all, in ensuring their side come up triumphs, to take a lead in the series. Stay with us for the decisive day in this game.

... DAY FIVE, SESSION ONE ...

Once again the England pace bowlers were breathing fire, too hot for the Protea top order to handle. They never let the opposition batsmen off the hook, at various points it seemed that they were bowling on a different surface than what the visitors did. Stokes bowled a fiery spell that almost broke the back of the South African batting. Do join us tomorrow at 1100 local time (1000 GMT) for what could be a good battle between aggression and stubbornness! Till then ciao! Take care!

Elgar and Bavuma see off South Africa till stumps without losing any more wickets. They would walk off the park believing they can - that they can survive various periods of play. While the visitors require 375 more for an unlikely win, England need 6 more wickets to take a lead in the series. Kuhn and de Kock got beauties that were quite difficult to play. Du Plessis yet again got out without offering a shot while indecisiveness got the better of the mighty Hash.

37.6 J Anderson to Bavuma, Good ball by Anderson to finish off but Bavuma lives on! Fullish in length outside off, tailing in nicely. Bavuma pushes at it tentatively but gets a thick inside edge to square leg. A run taken. THAT IS STUMPS ON DAY 4! 117/4

37.5 J Anderson to Bavuma, Fullish and swinging in substantially. Bavuma shuffles a touch and keeps it out to mid on. 116/4

37.4 J Anderson to Bavuma, Full length delivery on off, patted back to Anderson. 116/4

37.3 J Anderson to Bavuma, Shaping in from around off, Temba covers the line and defends it. 116/4

37.2 J Anderson to Elgar, Anderson goes wider of the crease and angles this one on a fullish length. It takes off a bit after pitching. Elgar prods forward to defend but gets a thick inside edge to square leg. His bottom hand again came off while playing that. A run taken. 116/4

33.6 M Ali to Elgar, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! Short and flat outside off, Elgar stands tall and punches it through covers to find the fence. These two are going along well, need to carry on. 111/4

31.5 M Ali to Elgar, Slider and quicker through the air. Elgar looks to work it away but is struck on the thigh pad. 107/4

31.4 M Ali to Elgar, Stays in the crease and defends it. 107/4

31.3 M Ali to Elgar, That's a ripper! Tossed up on off, Elgar prods forward in defense to counter it but is beaten by the sharp away turn. That was not far from the off pole as well. 107/4

31.2 Ali to D Elgar, FOUR! Streaky runs! Floated around off, Elgar looks to drive it with the spin but gets an outside edge past first slip. No protection in the deep and Dean gets another boundary to his name. 107/4

50-run stand up between Elgar and Bavuma.

31.1 M Ali to Elgar, Coming in with the arm, turned around the corner for a brace. 103/4

30.6 S Broad to Elgar, Works this one to the leg side for a single. 101/4

30.5 S Broad to Elgar, That's a beauty! Takes off from a length on off and goes past the tentative poke of Elgar. It was close to taking the glove. 100/4

28.4 S Broad to Elgar, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 100/4

28.3 Broad to Elgar, Good call to not take the review! Fuller length ball on off, seaming away after hitting the deck. Elgar pokes at it but seems to have missed it. Bairstow collects it and goes up in an appeal. Root and Cook are also interested in the slip cordon. However, Broad signals to them he didn't hear any noise. The Ultra Edge shows that there was daylight between bat and ball. Broady has got sharp ears. 100/4

28.2 S Broad to Elgar, FOUR! Elgar is a fighter and his grit and determination will give the Proteas some hope. On a length around off, angling away. Elgar steers it in a controlled manner past the diving gully fielder. A boundary results. 100/4

26.3 Ben Stokes to Bavuma, BAVUMA SURVIVES! That was a length ball outside off and came into the batsman. He looked to push the ball with a straight ball and the ball passed the outside edge and went to the keeper. England appealed as there was a slight noise as the ball passed the bat. The umpire declined the appeal. They thought of a review before deciding against it. The sound was of the bat hitting the pad. Good umpiring by Dar. Bavuma lives. 91/4

9th Test fifty for Dean Elgar.

26.2 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Fuller ball outside off, played towards point for a single. 91/4

25.6 M Ali to Bavuma, FOUR! Floated outside off, Bavuma gets to the pitch of the ball and crunches it through covers for a glorious boundary. 90/4

25.5 Ali to Bavuma, Fuller ball outside off, srikes Bavuma on the pads as he strides forward. The players appeal but the umpire stays unmoved. 86/4

25.4 M Ali to Bavuma, Flighted ball outside off, played with an angle bat towards short third man for a brace. 86/4

25.3 M Ali to Bavuma, The loop outside off draws Bavuma forward, but the ball went straight on, beating the outside edge of the bat. 84/4

25.2 M Ali to Bavuma, Loopy ball on off and middle, flicked away for no run. 84/4

25.1 M Ali to Bavuma, Tossed up on of, Bavuma defends off the front foot. 84/4

Moeen Ali to have a bowl now.

It's time for the players to have a drink. Seemingly with England on top, South Africa would look to bat time.

24.6 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Escapes! Back of a length ball outside off and angling into Elgar. He fails to get bat to ball as the ball goes through his defense and strikes him high on his back thigh before rolling over towards the keeper. 84/4

24.3 Ben Stokes to Elgar, back of a length ball on off and middle, flicked away towards square leg for a single. 83/4

24.2 Ben Stokes to Elgar, FOUR! STREAKY, LUCKY AND EFFECTIVE! That was bowled a tad short outside off, Elgar tries to pull it on the on side. He fetches it from outside off and ends up getting a thick bottom edge that runs away from next to the off stump and into the fine leg boundary. 82/4

24.1 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Round the wicket bowls it at a length on off, Elgar hops and bunts it down. 78/4

23.5 T Roland-Jones to Bavuma, That's a beauty! A real effort ball. Roland-Jones hits the deck hard outside off and gets it to jag back in. Bavuma looks to ride the bounce by hanging his bat in defense but is beaten all ends up by the slight away seam movement. 78/4

23.4 T Roland-Jones to Bavuma, Good reflexes at forward short leg! Length delivery on the pads, clipped nicely towards Malan stationed there who makes a great stop. 78/4

23.3 T Roland-Jones to T Bavuma, Ouch! Length delivery just outside off, shapes in after pitching. Bavuma looks to counter it but ends up gloving it near his box area. 78/4

23.2 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Around the hips, tucked nicely through square leg. SA get another three. 78/4

23.1 T Roland-Jones to Bavuma, Shortish delivery and room on offer, Bavuma uses the depth of the crease and punches it through covers. The timing is good and he will get three runs for it. 75/4

22.6 Ben Stokes to D Elgar, FOUR! Take that, Stokes! He got a taste of his own medicine on that occasion. Short delivery on off, Elgar stands tall and pulls it with authority through mid-wicket. The ball reaches the fence like a tracer bullet. 72/4

22.4 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Good length delivery around off, Elgar hops back and keeps it out with an angled bat. He is an enterprising batsman and South Africa will need every bit of his grit to battle on. 68/4

22.3 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Short of a length around off, climbing on Elgar. He rides the bounce and guides it to gully. 68/4

22.2 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Short delivery way outside off, Elgar can do nothing about it. 68/4

22.1 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Back of a length delivery, skidding through the surface. Elgar hops back to defend but is struck on the thigh pad. 68/4

21.1 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Elgar is being tested! Back of a length delivery on middle, shoots off the pitch. Elgar gets surprised as he fends it off from the splice of the bat. His injured hand must have ringed there. 65/4

Elgar is getting some attention from the physio on the left hand. He seems to have been struck on that hand in the previous over.

20.6 Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Outside off, Temba lets it go. 65/4

20.5 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Fullish outside off, steered to point for a run. 65/4

20.4 Ben Stokes to Elgar, Back of a length delivery, angling in. It takes off and catches Elgar off guard who manages to keep it out from the splice of the bat. 64/4

20.3 Ben Stokes to Bavuma, On a length, Bavuma shuffles and tucks it to fine leg for a single. 64/4

20.2 Ben Stokes to Bavuma, That was risky! Fuller length ball outside off, shapes in appreciably. Bavuma plants his front foot across and chooses to leave it. He must have had his heart in his mouth as the ball just missed the off pole. 63/4

20.1 Ben Stokes to Bavuma, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 63/4

19.6 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Ouch, that must have hurt! Short of a length around leg stump, Elgar looks to tuck it away but is hit on the rib area. He holds it in pain. 63/4

19.4 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, On a length on middle, defended off the back foot. 63/4

19.3 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 63/4

Michael Holding makes a valid point about Amla's downfall. In the first innings, he didn't bother too much about saving his wicket, so he brought out his long stride while driving balls. Inj the second innings, he had sort of a defensive mindset, which meant he didn't entirely get to the pitch of the ball. What cost him his wicket was the his indecision whether to play or leave that bowl, and in the end he ended up edging the ball.

19.2 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Once again a batsman is unsure in his approach. Fuller length delivery, leaving Elgar. He looks to defend it initially but bails out of it at the last moment. Amla got foxed in a similar manner before a while. 63/4

19.1 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Slanting across from Elgar. He pokes at it and edges it towards the slip cordon. 63/4

18.6 Ben Stokes to Bavuma, Shortish outside off, kept out off the back foot. 63/4

18.5 Ben Stokes to Bavuma, In the channel outside off, left alone. 63/4

18.4 Ben Stokes to Bavuma, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 63/4

18.2 Ben Stokes to Elgar, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single. 62/4

18.1 Ben Stokes to Bavuma, On a length straying on the pads, tickled to fine leg for a single. Bavuma survives the hat-trick ball. 61/4

Four slips and a gully, short leg and short mid on for Stokes' hat-trick ball! Here we go...

17.6 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, Short of a length delivery, defended off the back foot. 60/4

17.5 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, FOUR! Well played! Short outside of, Elgar places it wide of backward point to find the fence. 60/4

17.4 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 56/4

17.3 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, FOUR! Down the leg side, tickled to fine leg for a boundary. 56/4

17.2 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, On a length and angling across, left alone. 52/4

17.1 T Roland-Jones to Elgar, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 52/4

Temba Bavuma, the first innings half centurion, walks out with South Africa in deep trouble.

16.6 Stokes to Plessis, OUT! South Africa are in dire straits! Their backbone has been broken and it seems all gloomy for them at the moment. Stokes bowls this one on a length outside off and gets it to curl in appreciably. Faf plants his front foot across and once again makes an error in judgement. He opts to leave it, gets struck on the pads and up go the Englishmen in unison. Umpire Aleem Dar after a thought decides to rule it out. The Protea skipper walks across to Elgar and decides to take the review. He is not confident though. The replays roll in. The impact is not in question as the batsman didn't offer any stroke. The Hawk Eye shows that it is clipping the off stump and that is good enough. He got dismissed in a similar fashion in the first innings. The only contrast was that he was on the back foot on that occasion. South Africa continue to sink. Ben Stokes will be on a hat-trick when he comes to bowl in his next over. 52/4

Du Plessis does a blunder! Doesn't offer a shot, and gets hit on his pads. He reviews the LBW decision!

The skipper, Faf du Plessis walks out to bat with his team in a state of bother.

16.5 Stokes to Kock, OUT! Bowled 'em! That's the perfect definition of a toe-crushing yorker and de Kock doesn't have any clue about it. Stokes runs in and bowls it in the blockhole. De Kock hurriedly looks to bring his bat down. However, it is too quick and it goes under his bat to shatter the off pole. The umpires tell the wicket-keeper batsman to wait. They are checking for the front foot no ball. It is close but there is some part of the boot behind the crease. Another one bites the dust! Quinton is a top class batsman but he was undone completely. England continue to dominate. 52/3

16.3 Ben Stokes to Kock, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 52/2

Feel that South Africa have missed a trick here. They could have sent Bavuma up the order. He could have provided the solidity that they would have liked. Also, he would have his tails up after the knock that he played in the first innings. De Kock can be used when they require quick runs, than stability.

16.2 Ben Stokes to Kock, FOUR! Streaky runs! Short outside off, de Kock chances his arms and goes for the cut. Gets a thick outside edge over the slip cordon and the ball runs to the third man fence. He needs to be careful. 52/2

16.1 Ben Stokes to Kock, In the channel outside off, left alone. 48/2

15.6 T Roland-Jones to Kock, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. De Kock is away. 48/2

Quinton de Kock comes out to bat.

15.5 T Roland-Jones to Amla, OUT! The hero of the first innings for England gets the big fish once again! Roland-Jones steams in and delivers a fuller length ball around off. Amla looks to leave it initially as he points his bat skywards. However, he is late in doing so and the ball catches the bottom part of the bat. It goes at a fast pace towards Root at second slip but stays low. The English skipper stays composed, bends a touch and pouches it. The umpires walk across to each other and decide to take it upstairs. Reason being to check if it is a legal catch or not. Time for the replays. The third umpire after having a few looks at it confirms that it is a clean take. The big screen flashes the outcome and up go the English players in celebration! This is a massive breakthrough. England have their spirits high. 47/2

Amla has been caught at second slip by Root but the umpires have told him to wait. They are checking whether it is a clean grab or not.

15.4 T Roland-Jones to Amla, Bouncer but it is too short this time. He lets out a grunt while delivering it. Amla has enough time to drops his wrists and let it be. 47/1

15.3 T Roland-Jones to Amla, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 47/1

15.2 T Roland-Jones to Amla, A bit fuller this time, swinging in from around off, Hashim leans forward to tackle it. 47/1

14.6 Ben Stokes to Elgar, That's a ripper! Short delivery, climbing up on Elgar. He is hurried on by it and looks to keep it out. Ends up getting it off the glove and the ball falls short of Anderson at gully. 47/1

Drinks have been taken. While South Africa have lost Kuhn early, Amla and Elgar have consolidated well till now. Broad and Anderson started off well with the ball, even though Broad was hit for a couple of boundaries by Kuhn before he was dismissed.

11.5 T Roland-Jones to Amla, Back of a length ball on middle and leg, flicked away towards square leg for a single. 42/1

11.4 T Roland-Jones to Amla, Length ball, blocked from with the crease. 41/1

11.3 T Roland-Jones to Amla, Shortish ball on off, defended from within the crease. 41/1

11.2 T Roland-Jones to Amla, Back of a length ball on off and middle, defended off the back foot. 41/1

11.1 T Roland-Jones to Amla, Starts of with a length ball down the leg side, left alone. 41/1

The first innings star, Toby Roland-Jones, is introduced into the attack.

10.6 J Anderson to Elgar, Length ball outside off, left alone. 41/1

10.5 J Anderson to D Elgar, FOUR! ELEGANT AND CLASSY! That's bowled fuller around of, Elgar just pushes it through mid off for a boundary. The fielder at wide mid off didn't stand a chance to stop that. 41/1

10.4 J Anderson to Elgar, Length ball around off, played it to point. 37/1

10.3 J Anderson to Elgar, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 37/1

10.2 J Anderson to Elgar, Fuller ball on off and middle, Dean inside edges it onto his pads. 37/1

10.1 J Anderson to Elgar, Back of a length ball on middle, it strikes Elgar high on his pads as he misses the ball. 37/1

9.6 S Broad to Amla, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 37/1

9.5 S Broad to Amla, Length ball which is blocked off the back foot by the batter. 37/1

9.4 S Broad to Amla, That's bowled in line of the stumps, defended by Amla. 37/1

9.3 S Broad to Amla, FOUR LEG BYES! That's a length ball angling down the leg side, Amla misses his flick. The ball takes is thigh pad and goes past the diving keeper into the fine leg boundary. 37/1

9.2 S Broad to Amla, Length ball outside off left alone. 33/1

9.1 S Broad to Amla, Length ball on off, presented with the full face of the bat. 33/1

8.6 J Anderson to Elgar, Length ball flicked to mid-wicket. 33/1

8.5 J Anderson to Elgar, Elgar defends it from within the crease 33/1

8.4 Anderson to Elgar, Back of a length ball around leg, strikes him high on his pads as he misses the flick. Anderson appeals, but the umpire stays unmoved. Height is a factor there. 33/1

8.3 J Anderson to Amla, A tad fuller on off and middle, Amla gets an inside edge towards fine leg for a single. 33/1

8.2 J Anderson to Amla, Length ball outside off angling into Amla, the ball misses his bat and strikes him high on the thigh pad and rolls towards the slip cordon. It draws in a stifled appeal which is turned down. 32/1

8.1 J Anderson to Amla, Fuller length ball just outside off, Amla hangs on the back foot and just fends his bat at it. The ball just travels past his outside edge. 32/1

7.6 S Broad to D Elgar, Fuller ball on middle and leg, driven through mid on for a couple. 32/1

7.5 S Broad to Elgar, Length ball, defended by Dean. 30/1

7.4 S Broad to D Elgar, FOUR! STREAKY YET EFFECTIVE! Back of a length delivery going across Elgar, habitually he pokes his bat it, albeit with soft hands this time. The ball runs through the slip cordon off the outer half of the bat to the third man fence for a boundary. 30/1

Naseer Hussain on air makes a good analysis about Elgar. He is uncomfortable around that off stump channel and his technique is all over the place. As he looks to counter the away going deliveries, his bat comes down from an angle. He got out in that zone in the first innings and just survived a scare in this innings when he got dropped by Jennings at third slip on 9. However, he is a fighter and he will surely put on a brave show.

7.3 S Broad to Elgar, Another ball outside off, left alone. 26/1

7.2 S Broad to Elgar, Length ball outside off, left alone. 26/1

7.1 S Broad to Elgar, That's bowled on a length on middle and off, defended off the front foot. 26/1

6.6 J Anderson to Amla, Length ball outside off, played off the back foot. 26/1

5.4 S Broad to Amla, Fuller ball on off and middle, played towards mid-wicket for a single to get going. 22/1

5.3 S Broad to Amla, Back of a length ball outside off and bouncing a bit more, Amla leaves it. 21/1

Hashim Amla walks in to bat now.

5.2 S Broad to Kuhn, OUT! Jaffa! Broad you beauty! It is a back of a length ball outside off and seams into Kuhn. The batsman looks to defend it off the back foot but fails to account for the lateral movement. The woodwork behind him shatters and England are elated! Top class stuff, Kuhn departs. South Africa lose an early one yet again. 21/1

4.6 J Anderson to Elgar, Edged and DROPPED! Would you believe it! He has had his issues around that channel and now the offering goes down. Full on off and angling away, Elgar pokes his bat at it again, this time the ball takes the edge and carries low to the left of third slip. Jennings stationed there dives but the bowl doesn't stick in his hands and lobs out! That's a regulation catch gone down. Elgar gets a life! 21/0

4.5 J Anderson to Elgar, Length ball around off, Deano jabs his bat at that and finds the ball flying past his outside edge. Nervy moments for the lad! 21/0

4.4 J Anderson to Elgar, Length ball outside off, left alone. 21/0

4.3 J Anderson to Elgar, Length ball played from within the crease. 21/0

4.2 J Anderson to Elgar, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 21/0

4.1 J Anderson to Elgar, FOUR! Well played. It was a length ball on off, pushed through mid off for a terrific boundary. It was all about timing on that occasion. 21/0

3.6 S Broad to Elgar, Length ball around off, played towards covers for a single. 17/0

3.5 Broad to Kuhn, A LOUD APPEAL FOR LBW, TURNED DOWN! A good length ball around off hits Kuhn's pads as he strides forward in defense. A loud appeal follows, only to be turned down by the umpire. The fielder at the slips has a shy at the non-striker's end and it's a leg bye. Root, Broad and Bairstow ponder over reviewing the decision, but eventually decide against it. Ball Tracker shows the impact being outside off, so a very good decision by the umpire. 16/0

3.4 S Broad to Kuhn, this is sprayed well outside off to draw any interest from the batsman. 15/0

3.3 S Broad to Kuhn, FOUR! And another gorgeous shot fetches him a boundary. This is almost like the earlier boundary. That is a fullish ball outside off, he strides out and caresses it to the cover fence. Class all the way. 15/0

3.1 S Broad to Kuhn, Length ball on off and middle, blocked from the crease. 11/0

2.6 J Anderson to Elgar, Aah! Similar to the one that got him in the first innings. Anderson bowls it fuller on off going away from the batsman, Elgar feels for it and watches the ball whiz past the outside edge of his bat. 11/0

2.5 J Anderson to Kuhn, Length ball on off and middle, played towards square leg for a single. 11/0

2.4 J Anderson to Kuhn, Back of a length ball that moved into him a bit, Kuhn plays it on to the ground. 10/0

2.3 J Anderson to Kuhn, A tad fuller, played on to the ground. 10/0

2.2 J Anderson to Kuhn, That's a good length seaming ball, blocked off the front foot by Kuhn. 10/0

0.3 J Anderson to Elgar, Length ball outside off, the ball rolls through the slip cordon off the outer half of the bat. The gully fielder chases that and the batsmen take a brace. 3/0

0.2 Anderson to Elgar, That's back of a length on middle and leg, Elgar misses the ball and it strikes him high on the front pad, which draws appeal from the Englishmen. The umpire stays unmoved. Replays and the Ball Tracker shows that it was just clipping the stumps. 1/0

0.1 J Anderson to Kuhn, Starts with a fullish ball on pads, flicked away towards square leg to get off the mark. 1/0